California
748. Raymond, Reserve Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2010
Thanks to Tracy for this unusual California brand! Deep ruby with a narrow rim. Medium+ intensity nose of blackcurrant, a hint of black cherry, …
671. Schug, Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast, 2009
Hmm. I keep trying with California Pinot, and it still doesn’t work. This wasn’t too bad – OK, but not inspiring – but still …
659. Beaulieu Vineyard, Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, 2000
Having bought this at BV back in 2004, post-MBA, I’ve been waiting for a suitable reason to open it. Prime beef rib for Giles’ …
629. Ridge Vineyards, Geyserville Sonoma County, 1999
Having had a much younger and more tannic York Creek Ridge Zin the night before, this lovely Geyserville demonstrated Ridge’s skill in blending Zinfandel …
619. Sonoma-Cutrer, Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, 2007
So, the second of my attempts at cool(er) climate California Pinot Noirs, to see if I’m mistaken… And a second similar result – just …
594. Chalone Vineyard, Pinot Noir Monterey County, 2008
So I thought I’d challenge my belief that California can’t do Pinot Noir – it all ends-up soft and sweet strawberry. Chalone is its …
Napa: exceptional Cabernets, and exaggerated too
Napa Valley, the Big Daddy of California wines, is today world-famous for Big Cabs and Bold Chardonnays, landmark wineries and the Napa Valley Wine …
Sonoma: old-vine Zinfandel, fine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Sonoma is, in fact, a large region. Most people, including myself, would probably think of Sonoma as Napa’s quieter, more rural, more familial, ‘little …
Paso Robles to Santa Cruz Mountains: Central Coast diversity
Paso Robles to the Santa Cruz Mountains – or ‘the rest of the Central Coast’, between Santa Barbara County and the city of San …
California wine: the Golden State shines brightly
California wine is synonymous with US wine. For many it is US wine. Fortunately, the fine Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs of Oregon, the Bordeaux …